Library tours result in mixed public opinion

TRURO - While some Colchester County residents are having a difficult time deciding where they want a new Truro library to go, others are adamant with their opinion.

Both the old Normal College and former hat factory/bowling alley sites were open for public tours on Saturday. Site officials estimated about 200 people attended each location. For Brookfield's David Carter it's not an easy decision.

"I'm conflicted," he told the Truro Daily News. "I personally wish they had opportunities to use both. I'm leaning towards the Normal College because it was an educational institution and if the architect could be kept, I don't want to lose it … the Victorian sensibilities of the Normal College fit Truro."

However, Carter said, the old hat factory offers "open space, the options are increased and it's very industrial."

Brookfield's Amanda Dugas believes the hat factory is the ideal spot for a new library in town.

"It's more of an open concept and from the look of the plans, the children's area is all in one spot. I was totally open minded and didn't have a decision before the two tours," added Dugas, who usually visits the library with her children weekly.

Truro's Irene Weatherby said the Normal College is her preference.

"It's old and beautiful. The windows … it's nice and roomy ... my mind is made up," Weatherby said.

Truro’s Marilyn Smith also wants to see the new library at the Normal College.

“As a retired teacher I’m leaning towards to the Normal College. The architecture and windows are beautiful and I (believe) they are planning to save the woodwork,” said Smith. “But I’d like to see something done with the hat factory. I can’t picture anything other than taking it down.”

Parking at the Normal College was addressed as a possible issue by a number of people. And Truro’s Trevor McNutt said when looking at the current “awful state of disrepair” to the Normal College it can be “hard to imagine getting it to” a library site.

“It’s more of an option now that see visuals,” McNutt added, of the video and designs showcased at the open house.

Bible Hill’s Bruce Kitchen is also unsure which site is the best location.

“I’m 50/50. I saw both sites and I like the windows (at the Normal College) and that it’s a heritage building and there will be an elevator but the old hat factory, I love that too. There’s going to be a chesterfield and fireplace and it has a better view.”

Many people said they intend on going to a public meeting at the fire hall on Monday night, beginning at 7 p.m., to hear more about the two options. The meeting will also allow for public feedback.

Both the old Normal Collge and former hat factory/bowling alley sites were open for public tours on Saturday. Hundreds of people attended each location. For Brookfield's David Carter it's not an easy decision.

"I'm conflicted," he told the Truro Daily News. "I personally wish they had opportunities to use both. I'm leaning towards the Normal College though because it was an educational institution and if the architect could be kept, I don't want to lose it."

However, Carter said, the old hat factory offers "open space, the options are increased and it's very industrial."

Brookfield's Amanda Dugas believes the hat factory is the ideal spot for a new library in town.

"It's more of an open concept and from the look of the plans, the children's area is all in one spot. I was totally open minded and didn't have a decision before the two tours," Dugas added.

Truro's Irene Weatherby said the Normal College is her preference.

"It's old and beautiful. The windows, it's nice and roomy ... my mind is made up," Weatherby said.